I’ve had bouts of depression along with other issues for many years. They have varied in length and severity.

It’s hard to see the positives when being crushed by my own mind but I have come to see over the years, that for all the pain, there has been a lesson or two in there as well. Lessons worth learning are often painful.

Here are some of those lessons.

1. If it feels wrong, it is wrong, no matter what others may tell me.

2. No job is worth my health.

3. Depression is not a sign of weakness.

4. Bottling up how I feel constantly is unhealthy.

5. Crying is normal.

6. Anger isn’t the problem. What I do with it can be.

7. Blood is not thicker than water.

8. The “Jones’” are not worth keeping up with.

9. Money is not the only measure of success.

10. Walking away sometimes is the right thing to do.

11. I’m not made of rubber. I don’t just bounce back.

12. I’m not weak, I’m human.

13. I don’t need to feel ashamed for needing help and support.

14. I don’t have to justify myself.

15. I don’t need anyone’s approval.

16. Some people are not worth it.

17. I’m enough.

18. I should be living my life not the life someone else thinks I should be living.

19. I don’t need to hide who I am.

20. Emotional pain can be used in a positive or productive way.

These and other things I have learnt have helped me to become aware of early warning signs of depression and not ignore them by listening to old rhetoric’s. This may not fully prevent depression, but it certainly makes it easier to deal with.

Written By Lorna Smart

blogger @Poemstellium I

instagram @lornasmartwordcrafter

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/lornasmartwordcrafter/